[CHAPTER 147]
Even though I had expected it, seeing him in front of me made my whole body stiffen.
He walked straight toward me without any hesitation, even in the dark forest. A faint smile lingered on the face of Count Ascard, the Master of the Magic Tower.
“It’s a pleasure to see you again in a place like this, Amelia Wentworth.”
His low, cold voice reached me on the wind. I could not suppress the chills running down my spine. Still, I forced a smile and replied.
“What a surprise, Count Ascard. What brings you here?”
His smile deepened. With each step closer, an overwhelming magical pressure weighed heavily around me, making it hard to even breathe.
“Would you believe me if I said I came to check out my curiosity personally?”
I slowly took a step back and shrugged.
“What were you curious about?”
“I was extremely curious about the invitation sent by the princess. Now, guide me. I am very eager.”
I nodded briefly and turned my body.
The grass beneath my feet was wet, and every careful step I took made a rustling sound, breaking the forest’s silence.
Count Ascard followed silently. His steps were unusually light.
He must already know this path is a trap, yet he remained composed.
That must mean he’s confident.
I silently hoped his composure and arrogance would lead to a mistake. If not now, there might be no other chance.
A few steps behind, Count Ascard finally spoke.
“Where does this path lead?”
I glanced around and lifted the corner of my lips into a soft smile.
“Paths lead wherever you walk. Sometimes it’s more important who sent the invitation than where it leads. That must be why you came here.”
From behind came a soft, amused breath.
“Unexpectedly philosophical, but…”
He stopped and bent down, picking something from the ground. A small, red, glimmering fragment of magic stone.
“There’s an unusually large amount of magic stone here. It seems there is a magic stone cavern in this area.”
I smiled without replying and slowed my pace slightly.
“Discovering a new function of the magic stone? Planning to use it against me? Even so, with only Sylvia and a couple of lackeys?”
I answered brightly to his mocking voice.
“You’ll see. It’s literally just Sylvia and a couple of lackeys. I doubt the great Master of the Magic Tower would run just because of them.”
“You are provoking me.”
“If you’re scared, you don’t have to follow. Though then, those magic stones would naturally become ours.”
At last, the cave entrance came into view. From here, the illusionary path created by Ian began.
I, of course, knew the way and would guide the Master of the Magic Tower directly. It was not him I intended to drop, but his subordinates.
Fortunately, the Master of the Magic Tower entered the path without resistance.
The red mist still surrounded the cave, and the path faintly followed the glow of the magic stones.
At that moment, I realized it was quiet behind me. Count Ascard’s subordinates were no longer following.
I continued walking without showing it, but quietly thought to myself.
They’ve stepped properly into the path Ian made.
By now, the subordinates would be lost in the illusion. The illusion was a layered maze of magic, nearly impossible to escape.
Before they could find their way out, Derek and the knights would move.
That side seems to be handled.
I glanced at the Master of the Magic Tower following behind. He wore a calm smile, unaware or unconcerned about the situation.
I slowed my pace to not fall too far behind.
Suddenly, he slowly reached out and fiddled with the edge of my cloak.
He drew a short breath, with a subtle hesitation.
“Didn’t you say there would be more interesting things?”
“Indeed, but it’s a shame.”
“Then let go of me. Even if you try to kill me, you’ve already entered here.”
“So the princess has little value as a hostage? In that case—”
Just as his voice was about to continue.
Crack, crack—!
With a whirl of tearing magical energy, a brilliant light shot up from the center of the magic circle on the floor. At the same time, a sharp presence and familiar energy enveloped me.
“Amelia!”
It was Vincent’s voice.
I reflexively turned my head.
Golden hair fluttered in the blue magic. As he emerged from the light of the magic circle, he immediately grabbed the Master of the Magic Tower’s arm without hesitation.
“Kugh…!”
The cursed dagger slid slightly across Vincent’s forearm, cutting shallowly. Blood spread over his sleeve, but he ignored it, pushing the Master of the Magic Tower back and shielding me.
“Amelia, back.”
At his shout, I almost rolled behind Vincent. At that moment, Vincent shoved the Master of the Magic Tower into the cave’s interior.
The Master of the Magic Tower lost balance and tumbled directly into the center of the magic circle. His body could not withstand Vincent’s strength at all.
“Now!”
Ian’s voice echoed. Ian appeared from somewhere, raising his arms. The blue magic circle engraved on the floor exploded into a bright flash.
“Activate the sealing formation!”
The light spread like waves, surrounding the Master of the Magic Tower and rising like a wall.
“Release.”
The Master of the Magic Tower countered with a single powerful spell. Waves of magic swirled around him, causing the sealing formation to tremble momentarily. At the same time, Ian staggered.
